Psalms 36:5
Psalms 36:5 in Multiple Translations
Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds.
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
Thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, is in the heavens; Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the skies.
Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens, and your strong purpose is as high as the clouds.
Lord, your faithful love reaches to the heavens, your trustworthiness to the clouds.
Thy mercy, O Lord, reacheth vnto the heauens, and thy faithfulnesse vnto the cloudes.
O Jehovah, in the heavens [is] Thy kindness, Thy faithfulness [is] unto the clouds.
Your loving kindness, LORD, is in the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth to the clouds.
Commit thy way to the Lord, and trust in him, and he will do it.
Yahweh, your faithful love for us reaches as high as the heavens, you faithfully do what you have promised; it is as though your doing that extends up to the clouds.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 36:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 36:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֤וֶן
יַחְשֹׁ֗ב
עַֽל
מִשְׁכָּ֫ב֥/וֹ
יִ֭תְיַצֵּב
עַל
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
לֹא
ט֑וֹב
רָ֝֗ע
לֹ֣א
יִמְאָֽס
אָ֤וֶן
ʼâven
H205
evil
N-ms
יַחְשֹׁ֗ב
châshab
H2803
to devise
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מִשְׁכָּ֫ב֥/וֹ
mishkâb
H4904
bed
N-ms | Suff
יִ֭תְיַצֵּב
yâtsab
H3320
to stand
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
רָ֝֗ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִמְאָֽס
mâʼaç
H3988
to reject
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 36:5
אָ֤וֶן
ʼâven
H205
"evil"
N-ms
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
יַחְשֹׁ֗ב
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מִשְׁכָּ֫ב֥/וֹ
mishkâb
H4904
"bed"
N-ms | Suff
Mishkab refers to a bed, but can also mean sleep or even a bier. It's sometimes used to describe intimate relationships, as in Genesis. This word has various meanings depending on the context.
Definition: 1) a lying down, couch, bier, act of lying 1a) couch, bed 1b) act of lying, lying down or sleeping room, bedroom 1c) lying down (for sexual contact) Aramaic equivalent: mish.kav (מִשְׁכַּב "bed" H4903)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), couch, lieth (lying) with. See also: Genesis 49:4; 2 Samuel 17:28; Psalms 4:5.
יִ֭תְיַצֵּב
yâtsab
H3320
"to stand"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
To stand or place something firmly is what this word means, and it's used in the Bible to describe presenting oneself or standing firm in faith, as seen in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to place, set, stand, set or station oneself, present oneself 1a) (Hithpael) to station oneself, take one's stand, stand, present oneself, stand with someone Aramaic equivalent: ye.tsav (יְצַב "to know" H3321)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up). See also: Exodus 2:4; 1 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 2:2.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
רָ֝֗ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִמְאָֽס
mâʼaç
H3988
"to reject"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To spurn or reject something is what this Hebrew word means. In Genesis 37:35, it is used to describe how Jacob felt when his sons told him Joseph had died.
Definition: 1) to reject, despise, refuse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to reject, refuse 1a2) to despise 1b) (Niphal) to be rejected
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, [idiom] utterly, vile person. See also: Leviticus 26:15; Psalms 106:24; Psalms 15:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 36:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 36:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 36:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 36:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 36:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 36:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 36:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 36:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 36:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 36:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 36:5
- Sermons on Psalms 36:5
Context — The Transgression of the Wicked
3The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing.
4Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he fails to reject evil.
5Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds.
6Your righteousness is like the highest mountains; Your judgments are like the deepest sea. O LORD, You preserve man and beast. 7How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 100:5 | For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations. |
| 2 | Psalms 108:4 | For Your loving devotion extends beyond the heavens, and Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. |
| 3 | Psalms 103:11 | For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him. |
| 4 | Psalms 57:10 | For Your loving devotion reaches to the heavens, and Your faithfulness to the clouds. |
| 5 | Hebrews 6:18–20 | Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. |
| 6 | Psalms 89:2 | For I have said, “Loving devotion is built up forever; in the heavens You establish Your faithfulness.” |
| 7 | Psalms 92:2 | to proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning and Your faithfulness at night |
| 8 | Isaiah 55:7–9 | Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. |
| 9 | Matthew 24:35 | Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. |
| 10 | Psalms 52:1 | Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long. |
Psalms 36:5 Summary
[This verse tells us about how much God loves us and how faithful He is. It says His love goes all the way up to the heavens and His faithfulness is as big as the clouds. This means God's love is huge and never-ending, like the sky above us. Just like Psalm 107:1 reminds us to give thanks to God because He is good and His love endures forever, we can trust in God's love and faithfulness every day.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God's loving devotion reaches to the heavens?
This phrase is a poetic way of expressing the vastness and greatness of God's love, similar to how Psalm 103:11 says God's mercy is as high as the heavens are above the earth.
How does God's faithfulness relate to the clouds?
The comparison of God's faithfulness to the clouds may symbolize its abundance and consistency, much like the clouds that bring life-giving rain, as seen in Psalm 68:9 which speaks of God sending abundant showers.
What is the significance of contrasting God's character with the wickedness described in the preceding verses?
This contrast highlights the vast difference between God's holy and loving nature and the wickedness of humanity, as also seen in Romans 3:23, which notes that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory.
How can we apply the truth of God's loving devotion and faithfulness in our lives?
We can apply this truth by trusting in God's love and faithfulness, just as Psalm 13:5 encourages us to trust in God's unfailing love, and by seeking to reflect His character in our own lives, as instructed in Ephesians 5:1-2 to walk in love as Christ loved us.
Reflection Questions
- How does the knowledge of God's loving devotion and faithfulness affect my trust in Him during difficult times?
- In what ways can I reflect God's love and faithfulness in my relationships with others this week?
- What are some personal experiences where I have seen God's faithfulness, and how can I use those to encourage others?
- How can meditating on God's loving devotion and faithfulness impact my prayer life and intimacy with God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 36:5
Thy mercy, O Lord, [is] in the heavens,.... Meaning either the general mercy of God the earth is full of, and extends to all creatures; to which it is owing that wicked men before described are not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 36:5
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. The second strophe. The consolation which the pious have in God's inexhaustible mercy, faithfulness, righteousness, and loving-kindness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 36:5
Though this be the disposition and carriage of mine enemies towards me, and therefore I can expect no good from them, yet thou, O Lord, blessed be thy name, art of another temper; they are cruel and perfidious and unrighteous, but thou art infinite in mercy, and faithfulness, and righteousness, and loving-kindness, as it here follows; and therefore though I despair of them, yet I trust in thee, as other men do for these reasons, . Is in the heavens; or, is unto (as the prefix beth oft signifies, as , and elsewhere, and as it is here explained in the following clause) the heavens. As it is on the earth, of which there was no question, so it reacheth thence to the heavens, i.e. it is infinite and incomprehensible. Thy faithfulness; the truth both of thy threatenings against thine and mine enemies, and of thy promises made to me and other good men. Reacheth unto the clouds, i.e. is far above our reach, greater and higher than we can apprehend it.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 36:5
Psalms 36:5 Thy mercy, O LORD, [is] in the heavens; [and] thy faithfulness [reacheth] unto the clouds.Ver. 5. Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens] Yea, far above them, Psalms 108:4, and over all thy good and men’ s bad works. Otherwise thou couldest never endure such provocations of the profane rout; who yet live upon thee, and share in thy general goodness, admiratur David incredibilem Dei patientiam, &c. (Vat.). And thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds] God s mercy goeth usually yoked with his truth, and bounded by it; lest any should presume upon it, considering that God is faithful as well as merciful; faithful, I say, to fulfil both his promises and his menaces too. And as he hath mercy unmeasurable and truth unfailable for his saints, so he hath righteousness and judgments for the wicked, as it followeth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 36:5
(5) Thy mercy, O Lord, is in . . .—Better, Jehovah, to the heavens (reacheth) thy grace, Thy faithfulness to the sky. i.e., there are no narrower bounds of divine mercy and truth.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 36:5
Verse 5. Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens] That is, thou art abundant, infinite in thy mercy; else such transgressors must be immediately cut off; but thy long-suffering is intended to lead them to repentance. Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds] עד שחקים ad shechakim, to the eternal regions; above all visible space. God's faithfulness binds him to fulfil the promises and covenants made by his mercy. Blessings from the heavens, from the clouds, from the earth, are promised by God to his followers; and his faithfulness is in all those places, to distribute to his followers the mercies he has promised.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 36:5
5–9. From the grievous spectacle of human perversity the Psalmist takes refuge in adoring contemplation of the character of God, the only source of life and light, who deals blessing liberally to all His creatures.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 36:5
Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens - This commences the second part of the psalm - the description of the character of God in contrast with the character of the wicked man.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 36:5
5. From the revolting picture of depravity thus given, the psalmist turns, in this second strophe, (Psalms 36:5-9,) to elevating and comforting thoughts of God.
Sermons on Psalms 36:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Useful for the Master - Part 3 by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes God's love and faithfulness towards His people, highlighting the sacrificial nature of Jesus' love and the call for believers to reciprocate that love by sur |
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Position to Stand by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining a stance of joyful praise in our lives. He encourages listeners to have a fixed heart and to sing and praise Go |
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(Worship) Session 5: The How of Worship by Joseph Carroll | Joseph Carroll emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, highlighting that true worship comes from a pure heart and clean hands. He explains that worship is |
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Thy Mercy, 0 Lord, Is in the Heavens by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the contrast between the depravity of men and the faithfulness and mercy of God, emphasizing the importance of not being influenced by the wickedness aro |
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Belief in God and His Goodness by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining belief in God and His goodness, likening it to a safety rope that helps us navigate through life's challenges. He re |
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Unlimited Resources but Limited Receptacles by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes that God's infinite nature means His goodness, mercy, love, and grace are boundless, and that to think of Him as limited is to misunderstand His true essence. |
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Psalm 36 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the stark contrast between the wicked, who are consumed by sin and deceit, and the glory of God, whose mercy, faithfulness, righteousness, and lovingkindne |